Career Opportunities for Neuroethologists

Announcements for positions available (graduate, post-doc, faculty positions, etc.) or scientific equipment available for recycling or reuse can be posted on the ISN website free of charge.

Email plain text of the announcement to ISN Secretary (gabwolff@uw.edu) or the Allen Press representative (tleatherman@allenpress.com). Plain text is preferable to Word and PDF documents cannot be used. If known, provide a date for the announcement to be removed from this page.

Send news, job advertisements, meeting announcements and other related information for the next newsletter to the ISN secretary, Gabriella Wolff. All material should be sent via email.

Advertisements for jobs and graduate/postdoctoral positions should be no more than 150 words.

Job announcements can also be posted in ISN's newsletter and circulated to members by sending an email to the ISN Allen Press representative (tleatherman@allenpress.com).

Postdoctoral Fellow in Cichlid Visual Neuroscience - University of Maryland

The Juntti Lab at the University of Maryland is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work in an HFSP-funded position to understand the neural circuitry of visual perception in cichlid fish. We work in a multi-lab collaborative team to understand the differences in visual circuits in comparison with zebrafish. This project will determine the stimuli that evoke behavior, and will use transgenic cichlids with calcium indicators to identify responsive neurons.

Our lab focuses on the control of social behavior, and we ultimately seek to link perception to behavior. We are a well-funded young lab using cutting-edge technologies in molecular genetics, neuroanatomy, pharmacology to make these links. We use the family of cichlid fish as our model system, as they exhibit complex social behaviors and are genetically tractable. We’re looking for a motivated candidate who will pursue independent research, working within a dynamic team of scientists.

Dr. Simon Sponberg’s Lab at Georgia Tech is seeking a neuroscience postdoc to investigate origins of precision timing in motor systems. We are especially interested in connecting sensory and descending neuron representations to the resulting motor program and behavior. The system will focus on agile flight of hawk moths, where we have recently recorded a comprehensive, spike-resolved motor program. The postdoc will take the lead in tracing the structure of this motor program back into the CNS and connecting it to sensory representations. The work will be collaborative with students and postdocs in the lab that already work on computational neuroscience, the mechanics of flight, and comparative sensory neuroscience. While the general topic is defined there is some flexibility in how to tackle this problem including the specific circuits and modalities to consider, which can be tuned to the applicant's strengths. Extensions from this topic into the central complex, flight mechanics, quantitative behavior, and control theory are possible for ambitious postdocs looking to develop their own research program. Applicants from a broad range of fields will be considered, but candidates with experience in neuroethology, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience are especially encouraged to apply. The postdoc will need to be eager to design and conduct experiments as well as perform data analysis but training to complement their background will be provided. The lab group is primarily experimental. Funding is available for at least two years, with a third year extension likely.

Interested candidates should send a CV, and a short statement about background, goals, and research interests to Simon Sponberg via email (sponberg@gatech.edu). Questions about the position can be directed to him as well.

Information about the lab: Sponberg's group, the Agile Systems Lab, is part of the physics and biological sciences schools at Georgia Tech. We are part of Georgia Tech's Physics of Living Systems (PoLS) community, a neighborhood of 10 lab groups across biophysics with ~50 students and postdocs and supported by a NSF Student Research Network grant. Lab members usually participate in weekly PoLS lunches with student led seminars and the growing Neuro@GT community (~15 new labs in the last 7 years). We have close relationships with the neuroscience community across Atlanta. We are also part of the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Machines (including ongoing robophysical experiments) and the Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience. The Agile Systems lab has students and postdocs from physics, neuroscience, biology, and engineering backgrounds and broadly studies the physical and physiological mechanisms that enable agile movement in living systems, with an emphasis in flight and running at the centimeter scale.

(posted April 24, 2019)

Clinical Assistant Professor- Biological Sciences and Psychology

The Departments of Biological Sciences and Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) invite applicants for a clinical (non-tenure track) assistant professor position (Job ID #113741). The primary responsibility for the position will be to contribute to the teaching mission of both departments and the highly successful undergraduate major in Neuroscience by leading and coordinating undergraduate laboratory courses in Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurobiology. The ideal candidate will also have research interests and contribute to the Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience. Salary is competitive, neuroscience teaching laboratories have been renovated, research conditions are excellent, and there are extensive opportunities for collaboration on campus and at universities in the Chicago metropolitan area. For additional information about the Biological Sciences and Psychology Departments.

Candidates will need to complete the electronic application (include names and email addresses of three references) and submit a cover letter, CV, teaching and research statement at https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=113741 For fullest consideration please respond by May 27th, 2019. The position will begin on August 16th, 2019. Ph.D by the start date is required. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Thomas Park at tpark@uic.edu.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching in a multicultural environment. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

(posted April 23, 2019)

Postdoc Position in Neuromodulation of Olfaction

The Department of Biology at West Virginia University is looking for a Post-Doctoral Researcher within the lab of Dr. Andrew Dacks, which studies neuromodulation of olfactory processing and behavior. Strong candidates will have experience performing neurophysiology. Experience working with Drosophila is preferred, but not required. Compensation is contingent upon experience and follows NIH guidelines.

WVU is an R1 Research Institution situated in scenic Morgantown, West Virginia. Morgantown was ranked as 43 in Livability’s Top 100 places to live in the US, and is within short driving distance of many outdoor recreation activities including hiking, kayaking and rock climbing, as well as several large cities. To apply, please visit the West Virginia University website and include 1) a cover letter with a statement of research interests, 2) a CV, and 3) contact information for 3 references. For more information about the position, contact Andrew Dacks (amdacks@mail.wvu.edu).

(posted April 15, 2019)

Postdoc position on single cell recording in the avian brain

A Postdoc position on single cell recording in the avian brain is available at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (University of Trento, Italy). The project focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying numerical capacities and predisposition to detect animacy using the developing domestic chick forebrain as a model. A PhD in neuroscience or related disciplines is required. Experience with single cell recording (not necessarily on the avian brain) is needed.

A Ph.D. position on single cell recording in the avian brain is available at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (University of Trento, Italy) from November 2019 (application on April and selection procedures on May-June). The project focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying numerical capacities and predisposition to detect animacy using the developing domestic chick forebrain as a model. A degree in neuroscience or related disciplines is required. Experience with single cell recording (not necessarily on the avian brain) is preferable.

As part of the ChickenStress European Training Network, we are now advertising 14 PhD positions across different institutions across Europe. The PhD positions all revolve around understanding the causes of chronic stress in birds (laying hens), and range widely in their focus:

- Some positions are comparative neuroscience projects, ranging from electrophysiology to anatomy, development and neuroethology.

- Some positions are bioinformatics projects, investigating genomics and epigenetics of the avian stress response.

- And some positions are animal behaviour projects, focusing on effects of early life, genetics and current environment on cognition, stress reactivity and other behavioural indicators.

Applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply, as long as they conform with the mobility requirement of the Marie S. Curie Actions. For more detail, see the website.

(posted April 4, 2019)

Postdoctoral Position on Mechanisms of Animal Movement

The Guerra Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the areas of animal sensory ecology, migration, and dispersal. The position will focus on studying how animals can orient and navigate during long-distance migration, using the monarch butterfly as a primary model.

2) Success with working under seasonal field conditions as demonstrated by research published in peer-reviewed journals

3) Experience working with insect-based and/or aerial systems

We are seeking a candidate that can start on September 1st, 2019 (although exact date is flexible).

In order to be considered, you must apply online at https://jobs.uc.edu (Search for requisition #37001).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact Dr. Patrick A. Guerra (patrick.guerra@uc.edu).

The Guerra Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the areas of animal sensory ecology, migration, and dispersal. The position will focus on studying how animals can orient and navigate during long-distance migration, using the monarch butterfly as a primary model.

2) Success with working under seasonal field conditions as demonstrated by research published in peer-reviewed journals

3) Experience working with insect-based and/or aerial systems

We are seeking a candidate that can start on September 1st, 2019 (although exact date is flexible).

In order to be considered, you must apply online (Search for requisition #37001).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact Dr. Patrick A. Guerra (patrick.guerra@uc.edu).

(posted March 28, 2019)

Postdoctoral Position on Plasticity of Electrical Transmission

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Department of Neuroscience of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, New York). As in chemical synapses, electrical synapses represent true synaptic structures that undergo modifications of their synaptic strength. Plastic changes of electrical synapses play important functional roles by reconfiguring neural networks. We investigate these properties at identifiable mixed synapses on the larval zebrafish Mauthner cell, at which detailed molecular mechanisms are been investigated by combining powerful genetic manipulations with in-vivo imaging, electrophysiology and time-resolved ultrastructural analysis. The laboratory is focused on understanding 1) the molecular complexity of the structures underlying electrical synaptic communication (neuronal gap junctions) at these synapses, and 2) the ultimate molecular mechanisms that are responsible for changes of their synaptic strength. We are seeking for highly motivated individuals with strong background in cellular neurophysiology, imaging and/or the zebrafish model who are interested in joining our efforts.

The Department of Neuroscience provides an excellent environment for scientific research, including exceptional core facilities in optical imaging, genomics, proteomics, optogenetics and behavior.

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. William Smith (https://labs.mcdb.ucsb.edu/smith/william/).

Neuroscience Research Institute

University of California, Santa Barbara

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. William Smith (https://labs.mcdb.ucsb.edu/smith/william/).

Full-Time Program Coordinator

The University of Cincinnati has been awarded an NSF ITEST grant ($1.2 mil/3 yrs), and we seek a full-time program coordinator. The grant creates a model curriculum for increasing interest among HS students, from underrepresented groups, in STEM fields. It will focus on students from several Cincinnati public schools, and the curriculum will be based around the interface between sensory guidance of animals, and sensory guidance of robots. It would be great for someone with neuroethology-ish background wanting to go into a teaching position or a science education-related career.

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and continue to accept and review applications until the position has been filled.

(posted March 6, 2019)

NIH-Funded Postdoctoral Position in Ascidian (Ciona) Behavior and Neurocircuitry Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. William Smith. Research in this new focus area for the lab will investigate the behavior and neural circuity of the primitive chordate Ciona (publications: PMC5963834; and https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/514422v1). Ascidians, like Ciona, occupy the unique evolutionary position of being the closest invertebrate relatives of the vertebrates. This close evolutionary relationship of Ciona and vertebrates is reflected in the structure of larval Ciona CNS. Despite this similarity, the Ciona larval CNS contains only 177 neurons. While the Ciona larval CNS has been the subject of investigation for many years, new research opportunities have opened with the recent completion of the Ciona tadpole CNS connectome. We are seeking highly motivated and creative applicants to work on this emerging model. We seek applicants with expertise in various areas, including: calcium imaging of neural activity (and other advanced imaging methods), electrophysiology, quantitative behavioral assays, and modeling.

Interested applicants please provide short description of research experience and interests. Please provide CV and up to three references.

Post-Doc position in the neural basis of predation in the Wardill and Flysy Labs

Position available for a postdoctoral researcher to lead a project investigating the neural basis of decision making in predatory aerial insects. An ideal candidate will be one with extensive experience in quantifying and testing insect behavior in model and non-model species, in the laboratory and in the field. Necessary skills include coding (C++ or Python) to improve and develop a closed loop stimulation system. Preferably, the candidate will also have electrophysiology/functional imaging experience, and the motivation to carry out technically challenging experiments. The candidate must be extremely motivated to learn such a range of techniques. The postdoc will also be expected to write their own fellowship applications, mentor students, and communicate their work both within the science community and via public outreach.

To carry out the outlined duties, the successful candidate will have access to state of the art equipment, including high speed cameras, 2-photon/confocal microscope, internal flight arena and intra-/extra-cellular rigs. In addition to the opportunity to join other lab members in at least one fieldwork trip per year, and if research goals are met, support to attend 1 international conference per year.

The successful candidate will be mentored jointly by PT. Gonzalez-Bellido and T. Wardill, who lead 2 groups with a cohesive and supportive environment. The labs are located in the EEB Department, at the U. Minnesota (St Paul). Initial appointment will be for one year, with possibility to extend for an additional year pending availability of funds, performance, and project needs.

Prospective candidates can contact us at twardill@umn.edu and paloma@umn.edu. Reviews of applications will begin on the 15th of Feb. In addition, Candidates can apply by:

2) Click on the tab in the center of the page that corresponds to their situation

3) Search Job ID# 328653 - Postdoctoral Associate

(posted February 5, 2019)

Postdoc positions in Insect/Butterfly vision research at SOKENDAI Japan

A few post-doctoral positions are immediately available in the Arikawa lab, Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, SOKENDAI-Hayama, Japan. The Arikawa lab studies butterfly vision by combining various experimental methods including neurophysiology, molecular biology, anatomy and computer simulation. Those who are interested in should visit this website link for application details.

This PhD is part of a larger research grant to investigate directional hearing in fishes that cannot detect the pressure component of the sound field. The objective of this PhD will be to quantify morphological differences in the inner ear across a diverse range of shark species, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and florescent microscopy techniques. This project will be in collaboration with Dr Kara Yopak at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), who is a world leading expert in using MR technology for imaging shark sensory systems. This project will be based out of the University of Auckland, but will also require the student to spend some time with Dr. Yopak at UNCW acquiring MR image data. For more information see:

This PhD is part of a larger research grant to investigate directional hearing in fishes that cannot detect the pressure component of the sound field. The objective of this PhD will be to quantify morphological differences in the inner ear across a diverse range of shark species, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and florescent microscopy techniques. This project will be in collaboration with Dr Kara Yopak at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), who is a world leading expert in using MR technology for imaging shark sensory systems. This project will be based out of the University of Auckland, but will also require the student to spend some time with Dr. Yopak at UNCW acquiring MR image data. For more information see:

This PhD is part of a larger research grant to investigate directional hearing in fishes that cannot detect the pressure component of the sound field. The objective of this PhD will be to quantify morphological differences in the inner ear across a diverse range of shark species, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and florescent microscopy techniques.

This project will be in collaboration with Dr Kara Yopak at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), who is a world leading expert in using MR technology for imaging shark sensory systems. This project will be based out of the University of Auckland, but will also require the student to spend some time with Dr. Yopak at UNCW acquiring MR image data.

Postdoctoral Position for Large-Scale Recording in a Small-Brain Model System

Postdoctoral research position to examine loci of non-synaptic plasticity and synaptic plasticity in an established in vitro analogue of operant conditioning (OC) of feeding behavior in Aplysia (Baxter and Byrne, 2006). To date, published studies have examined only five of the ~100 neurons and none of the hundreds of synaptic connections that comprise the neural circuit. To address this shortcoming, large-scale voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) recordings (Neveu et al., 2017), in combination with intracellular recordings, will be used to identify OC-induced changes in activity and synaptic properties in a substantial proportion of the neurons in the circuit. In addition, these studies will examine the extent to which short- and long-term memory share common loci and plasticity mechanisms.
We are located within the Texas Medical Center and its very rich and collaborative neuroscience community including Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Houston.

Applications are encouraged from individuals with backgrounds in imaging and electrophysiological recording techniques and experience with MATLAB. Please submit a current résumé, cover letter and contact information for three references as a single file attachment to John.h.byrne@uth.tmc.edu.

Located in the heart of Paris, IBENS develops advanced and original studies in Life Sciences aiming at discovering basic mechanisms and principles that underlie biological processes. IBENS is part of the Department of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), and is also affiliated to CNRS and INSERM. It hosts 28 research teams organized into four main research axes: Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, Functional Genomics and Ecology & Evolution. Research performed at IBENS is highly collaborative and multiscale, and combines both experimental and theoretical approaches. Multidisciplinarity is reinforced by local collaborations with other ENS departments as well as with several nearby top research institutions (Curie Institute, Collège de France, ESPCI Paris Tech…). As part of ENS, IBENS scientists have strong links with higher-education teaching and training both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

We are looking for outstanding candidates developing ambitious research programs with the potential to interact with and complement the existing strengths of IBENS. The Developmental Biology section will recruit one or two group leaders at junior and/or senior levels. Interest in the nervous system will be appreciated, although not mandatory. The Neuroscience section seeks one junior group leader, research projects on the molecular and cellular aspects of neurobiology will be considered with particular interest.

IBENS hosts state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging, genomics, bioinformatics and protein production platforms, as well as several plant and animal housing facilities (including for rodents and zebrafish).

Applications should include a CV and a summary of scientific achievements (max 2 pages) and proposed research program (max 2 pages). In addition, three letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to the same address. IBENS is committed to a transparent, open and merit-based recruitment policy and encourages women to apply.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: March 1st 2019

Shortlisted applicants will be notified early April 2019 and interviews will be conducted in June 2019.

(posted January 10, 2019)

The Institute of Biology of the École Normale Supérieure (IBENS) is seeking to recruit 2 or 3 group leaders in Developmental Biology and Neuroscience.

Located in the heart of Paris, IBENS develops advanced and original studies in Life Sciences aiming at discovering basic mechanisms and principles that underlie biological processes. IBENS is part of the Department of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), and is also affiliated to CNRS and INSERM. It hosts 28 research teams organized into four main research axes: Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, Functional Genomics and Ecology & Evolution. Research performed at IBENS is highly collaborative and multiscale, and combines both experimental and theoretical approaches. Multidisciplinarity is reinforced by local collaborations with other ENS departments as well as with several nearby top research institutions (Curie Institute, Collège de France, ESPCI Paris Tech…). As part of ENS, IBENS scientists have strong links with higher-education teaching and training both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

We are looking for outstanding candidates developing ambitious research programs with the potential to interact with and complement the existing strengths of IBENS. The Developmental Biology section will recruit one or two group leaders at junior and/or senior levels. Interest in the nervous system will be appreciated, although not mandatory. The Neuroscience section seeks one junior group leader, research projects on the molecular and cellular aspects of neurobiology will be considered with particular interest.

IBENS hosts state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging, genomics, bioinformatics and protein production platforms, as well as several plant and animal housing facilities (including for rodents and zebrafish).

Applications should include a CV and a summary of scientific achievements (max 2 pages) and proposed research program (max 2 pages). In addition, three letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to the same address. IBENS is committed to a transparent, open and merit-based recruitment policy and encourages women to apply.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: March 1st 2019

Applications and information requests should be sent to ibens.newresearchgroups@biologie.ens.fr

Shortlisted applicants will be notified early April 2019 and interviews will be conducted in June